Compliance with copyright rules can help create competitive edges inexport deals, according to the Vietnam Competition Authority.

Itsaid that adherence to software ownership rules would, in the long run,be beneficial to businesses involved in global competition, marketexpansion, brand building and sustainable exports, particularly sinceVietnam is now a member of the World Trade Organisation.

Arecent study indicates that a 1 percent increase in the use of licensedsoftware in Vietnam can generate about 87 million USD in gross nationalproduct, compared to 37 million USD created from the use of illegalsoftware.

Tarun Sawney, senior director, Antipiracy,Asia-Pacific, Software Alliance (BSA) said that using legal softwareprovided low regulatory risks and protection from penalties found duringaudits and reviews.

He said a new software product calledVerafirm had been created by his organization, which helps companiesimprove the control of their business while complying with Vietnameseand international laws and regulations.

"Verafirm not onlymakes it easier for companies to keep tabs of their software assets,but helps them achieve better competitiveness by putting informationtechnology to better use," he said.

"Transparency andquality control in exports using digital technology have now become thenorm for developed countries,” he said, adding that Verafirm is anon-profit endeavour supported by major software publishers.-VNA